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卷91 術藝:晁崇 張淵 殷紹 王早 耿玄 劉靈助 江式等

Volume 91: The Arts - Chao Chong, Zhang Yuan, Yin Shao, Wang Zao, Geng Xuan, Liu Lingzhu, Jiang Shi, and others

Chapter 97 of 魏書 · Book of Wei
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Chapter 97
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[1]
Chao Chong, Zhang Yuan, Yin Shao, Wang Zao, Geng Xuan, Liu Lingzhu, Jiang Shi, Zhou Dan, Li Xiu, Xu Jian, Wang Xian, Cui Yu, and Jiang Shaoyou [1]
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Even minor arts have something worth noting, and all the more so when former sages set forth the techniques of calendrical reckoning and former kings handed down the canon of divination. There are established methods of inquiry, and prognostic lore passed from master to pupil; as each branch was extended, the tradition spread ever wider. The crafts and arts are diverse, and there is no good reason to suppress them on principle. They are recorded here to widen the reader's knowledge.
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輿 鹿
Chao Chong, styled Ziye, came from Xiangping in Liaodong. His family had served as court historians for generations. Chong was accomplished in astronomy and calendrical arts and was well known in his day. He held the post of Grand Astrologer Attendant under Murong Chui. After Murong Bao's defeat at Canhe, Chong was taken prisoner and later pardoned. Emperor Daowu valued his expertise and treated him with marked favor. After the conquest of the Central Plains, he was made Grand Astrologer and instructed to build an armillary sphere and map the courses of the sun, moon, and stars. He was transferred to Palace Secretariat Attendant but kept his existing appointment as well. In the fifth year of Tianxing, a halo appeared around the moon and its left horn was almost fully eclipsed. Chong reported, "This omen means horned beasts will die." Emperor Daowu had just taken Yao Ping at Chaibi. Treating Chong's prediction as confirmation, he ordered the armies to burn their carts and turn back. A severe cattle plague followed, and several hundred draft oxen in the imperial train died the same day by the roadside, with countless others dying in succession. That year, seventy or eighty percent of the oxen in the empire perished, and elk and deer died in great numbers too.
4
Chong's younger brother Yi was quick-witted and articulate, though less gifted than Chong himself. Skilled in the northern dialects, he served among the inner attendants and was appointed Yellow Gate Attendant; both brothers achieved high standing. Yi cultivated an imposing manner, dressed above his station, and spoke in a voice much like Emperor Daowu's. Those who heard him were invariably startled. When Emperor Daowu learned of this, he was deeply displeased. Later a household slave accused Chong and Yi of treason and of secretly dealing with the minister Wang Ciduo to summon Yao Xing. Emperor Daowu nursed a grudge against them. When Yao Xing attacked Pingyang, the emperor's army defeated him. Believing the slave's accusation, Emperor Daowu, on returning to Jinyang, arrested the Chong brothers and ordered them both executed.
5
駿
Chong's nephew Hui. Under Emperor Daowu he served in the palace offices, rose to Palace Attendant, and was enfeoffed as Marquis of Changping. He served as General Who Conquers the Barbarians and Governor of Jizhou, with the acting titles General Who Pacifies the East and Duke of Yingchuan. When Liu Jun held Dongping Commandery and shifted garrisons toward the frontier, Hui petitioned for permission to attack, but Emperor Wencheng refused. Hui then wrote Liu a letter rebuking him on moral grounds. He died.
6
His son Lin succeeded to the title. After Lin's death, his son Qing launched an attack. The full account appears in the Biographies of Integrity and Righteousness.
7
Hui's cousin Ji rose under Emperor Daowu to Palace Secretariat Attendant, Palace Attendant, and General of the Central Garrison, and was enfeoffed as Viscount of Xiangping. He was appointed Administrator of Wei Commandery. He died.
8
His son Shizong succeeded to the title. He died, and his son Yuanhe succeeded. He died.
9
Zhang Yuan's place of origin is unknown. He was expert in celestial observation and understood the divisions of the inner and outer heavens. He claimed to have served Fu Jian. When Jian planned a southern campaign against Sima Changming, Yuan urged him not to go; Jian ignored him and was defeated as Yuan had warned. He later served Yao Xing and his son as Director of the Observational Platform. After the fall of Yao Hong, he entered Helian Chang's service, and Chang again appointed Yuan and Xu Bian as joint Grand Astrologers. When Emperor Taiwu conquered Tongwan, Yuan and Bian were both taken prisoner. Emperor Taiwu made Yuan Grand Astrologer and often sought his counsel. In the second year of Shenju, when Emperor Taiwu prepared to campaign against the Rouran, Yuan and Xu Bian both argued against it and clashed with Cui Hao before the throne; the full account is in Hao's biography. Yuan relied on conventional divination and lacked Hao's depth and foresight. He later served as Strategic Adviser to the Rapid Cavalry General and wrote the Rhapsody on Observing the Heavens, which begins:
10
宿 宿
The Book of Changes says: Heaven displays signs revealing fortune and misfortune, and the sage takes them as his guide. It also says: "Look to the patterns of heaven to discern the changes of the times; look to the patterns of human culture to transform and civilize the world." Though the three ultimates differ, their subtle source is one; and though the manifest and hidden realms are distant from each other, they respond to each other like shadow and echo. Tracing the signs of mutual response and probing the hidden numbers of communion, the meeting point of heaven and humanity becomes plainly visible. The celestial mechanisms are obscure and the ultimate principle abstruse—no mere human wisdom could fully fathom them. Yet when inspiration comes, one becomes like the poets of old; gazing on the host of stars, how could one refrain from singing? It was the season when the year reached the Split Wood junction and the sun stood in the Wings. At dawn the Gate of Heaven beat its drum in desolation; at dusk the Flowing Fire burned in withering decline. Wandering mists rose to lofty heights, and the constellations blazed in splendid array. Watching time slip away, I felt the sorrow of one standing by the river; walking through autumn woods, I shared Master Song's grief. Sighing that great trials were not yet over, troubled and sleepless, I wandered in a remote valley and climbed a sacred cliff with staff in hand. I raised my eyes to the great void and let my gaze range far; in the act of chanting and sighing, my feelings grew solemn. Unable to grasp the ultimate principle, I drew instead on what lay close at hand. Plain verses came to me in the deep of night; unable to rest with song alone, I took up my brush and wrote this rhapsody. The rhapsody reads:
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宿 輿 宿 西 西 宿 西西 𥗼 西西 西 西 𥔀 𥔀 覿 西 宿 西 宿 西 綿 滿 宿 西西 西 西 西 [3]西 宿 宿宿 宿宿宿
I climb a lofty peak and gaze far, beholding the celestial signs in the nine heavens. 〈Ascend: to rise. Distant: far. Nine heavens: the ninefold sky.〉 I see the Purple Palace encircling all around and admire the Imperial Seat standing alone in prominence. 〈The Purple Palace rampart of fifteen stars lies north of the Northern Dipper; the Celestial Emperor star stands within the Purple Palace. Because the Lord of Heaven holds the supreme position, it is said to stand alone in prominence.〉 I gaze on the Canopy of State in lush shade—how distant and lofty is the void at its center! 〈The Canopy of State has seven stars and the Pole nine stars, sixteen in all, above the Great Emperor. Distant and lofty: describing great height and remoteness.〉 I observe the Celestial Passage arching high and imagine the divine carriage flashing like lightning. 〈The Celestial Passage of six stars lies northeast of Wang Liang; it is where the Lord of Heaven mounts and treads, and the path the divine carriage follows. Lightning flash: swift.〉 Then I let my gaze range far, reaching to the four corners; to the north I observe the Pivot and Balance, to the south I behold the Supreme Palace, 〈The four corners: the boundaries of the four directions. Pivot and Balance: that is, the Northern Dipper. The Supreme Palace of ten stars lies north of the Wings and Chariot.〉 The Three Platforms shine bright in paired rows; the Imperial Seat gleams radiantly, casting down its light, 〈The Three Platforms comprise six stars in all, dwelling two by two, beginning at Literary Glory and reaching to the Supreme Palace. The Imperial Seat is one star within the Supreme Palace. Bright and gleaming: both describe the appearance of stellar radiance.〉 The Tiger Guard holds sharp weapons on the front steps; the Ever Array gathers in force at the rear gate. 〈The Three Platforms are called the Grand Steps; the Tiger Guard star lies south of the lower platform, hence the reference to the front steps. The Ever Array of seven stars, shaped like a net, lies north of the Imperial Seat; all guard the Lord of Heaven before and behind against the unexpected. Rear gate: a gate within the palace.〉 Then turning my gaze, I next look upon Literary Glory, 〈Literary Glory of seven stars lies before the Dipper's head; it is the name of a separate palace, and all are ministerial stars in rank and order.〉 Looking up I see Zaofu, and also Wang Liang. 〈Zaofu of five stars lies in the Relay Inn within the River. Zaofu was charioteer to King Mu of Zhou; when he died, his essence ascended to become a star. Wang Liang of five stars lies north of Kui. Wang Liang was a grandee of Jin, skilled in driving, and the son of Jiufang Yan. Liang was also called You Wuzheng and served as charioteer to Duke Jianzi of Zhao. When he died, his essence lodged in a star and became the Lord of Heaven's charioteer.〉 Fu Yue ascended to heaven and rides the Tail; Xi Zhong entrusted his essence to the north bank of the Ford. 〈Fu Yue is one star behind the Tail. Fu Yue hid in the cliffs during the Shang dynasty. King Wuding dreamed of a worthy man, drew his likeness, found him, and immediately made him chief minister. When he died, his essence ascended to become a star. Riding the Tail: between the Dragon's Team. Xi Zhong of four stars lies north of the Celestial Ford, near the riverbank. In most ancient times the inventor of chariots and carriages, when he died, ascended to become a star. The north bank of a river is called yang; it lies on the north side of the River, hence the name Ford Yang.〉 The Weaving Maid shines in array upon the riverbank; the Oxherd blazes forth and spreads his light. 〈The Weaving Maid of three stars lies at the eastern end of Ji; the Oxherd of six stars lies south of the River Drum. People also take the River Drum to be the Oxherd.〉 The Five Chariots stand like pavilion pillars in the shade of Bi; the Two Rivers flank the Well and gaze at each other. 〈The Five Chariots with three pillars comprise fourteen stars in all, northeast of Bi. They lie north of the lodge, hence called the shade. The Two Rivers: South River and North River. Six stars flank the Eastern Well, facing each other from east and west at a distance, hence the term gazing at each other.〉 The host of offices shines bright; the dark registers stand sparse; offices are established and duties divided—none are left unassigned. 〈Bright and sparse: both describe the appearance of stellar radiance, bright or thinly scattered. The host of offices means the offices Heaven established—the Three Dukes and Nine Ministers, and the positions of empress and consorts. Divided: each is assigned what he oversees, and each has his own charge. None: nothing. Fully: completely. This means nothing is left incomplete; the official posts also exist.〉 The Heir Apparent assists Heaven; the court extends to the Three Ministers. 〈The Heir Apparent refers to the Crown Prince star, north of the Imperial Seat. The Three Ministers are the Three Dukes stars, within the Supreme Palace.〉 Discussing the Way and receiving memorials—each has his proper charge. 〈Discussing the Way: the Three Dukes sit and discuss the Way. Receiving words: the Masters of Writing present what is acceptable and replace what is not.〉 Generals and ministers stand in order to guard; the Nine Ministers link like pearls in inner attendance. 〈The ten stars of the Supreme Palace all have positions for Senior General, Senior Minister, Junior General, and Junior Minister. The Nine Ministers of three stars are in the court of the Supreme Palace, arrayed in rows like linked pearls in inner attendance.〉 The Celestial Street divides the inner and outer realms; the Four Sevens array the differences of the Nine Regions. 〈The Celestial Street of two stars lies between Mao and Bi, near the Moon star—the division of yin and yang, the boundary of the Central States. West of the Celestial Street belongs to foreign lands—the feathered-head, felt-clad, bow-drawing peoples all belong there. East of the Celestial Street belongs to the Central States—the gentry in silk sashes and the ranks of capped and belted officials all belong there. The Four Sevens, twenty-eight lodges: Jiao and Kang—Zheng state, Yanzhou; Di, Fang, and Xin—Chen state, Yuzhou; Wei and Ji—Yan state, Youzhou; Dou and Niu—Wu state, Yangzhou; Nu, Xu, and Wei—Qi state, Qingzhou; Encampment and Eastern Wall—Wei state, Bingzhou; Kui and Lou—Lu state, Xuzhou; Wei, Mao, and Bi—Zhao state, Jizhou; Zi and Shen—Wei state, Yizhou; Jing and Gui—Qin state, Yongzhou; Willow star and Zhang—Zhou state, Luoyang and the Three Rivers; Yi and Zhen—Chu state, Jingzhou. Heaven has twelve stations through which sun and moon pass; Earth has twelve provinces where kings and lords establish their states. The products of each region's soil each have their own special differences.〉 To the left are Celestial Records, Spear and Club, Sheti and Great Horn, the Two Enclosures guarding against excess, and the Seven Lords judging cases. 〈Celestial Records of nine stars lies east of the Coiled Rope; Celestial Spear of three stars lies east of the Dipper's handle; Celestial Club of five stars lies northeast of the Woman's Bed. Sheti of six stars flanks Great Horn; Great Horn of one star lies between the Sheti. The Two Enclosures: Eastern Enclosure of four stars lies northeast of Fang; Western Enclosure of four stars lies northwest of Fang. These stars govern guarding against extravagance, debauchery, flattery, and sycophancy. The Seven Lords: seven stars lie east of Twinkling Indicator, near the Coiled Rope. The Coiled Rope is Heaven's prison. When punishments and prisons are unjust, the Seven Lords deliberate and rectify wrongful cases.〉 Armory Tower blazes bright and luminous; Cavalry Officer rears up and stamps his feet. 〈Armory Tower of ten stars lies south of Great Horn. Cavalry Officer of twenty-seven stars lies south of Di. Cavalry Officer governs riding, hence the term rearing up.〉 The Celestial Market establishes its stalls at Fang and Xin; the Imperial Seat stands prominent, lit like lightning. 〈The Celestial Market of twenty-four stars lies north of Fang and Xin; the Imperial Seat of one star lies at the center of the Celestial Market.〉 Before them dwell the Old Man and the Celestial Altar, where the Pure Temple resides. 〈The Old Man of one star lies south of the Bow; it is usually observed at the spring and autumn equinoxes. The Celestial Altar of six stars also lies south of the Bow. The Pure Temple of fourteen stars lies south of Zhang.〉 The Bright Hall matches the Emperor; the Spirit Platform examines the signs. 〈The Bright Hall of three stars lies outside the southwest corner of the Supreme Palace; the Spirit Platform of three stars lies west of the Bright Hall.〉 The Old Man at the utmost yang, dim and fleeting; sons and grandsons twinkle faintly at the corner of Shen. 〈The Old Man of two stars lies southwest of the Military Market. The star is in the south, hence called utmost yang. Dim and fleeting: the star is small, distant and hard to see. Laozi said: "Dim and fleeting—yet within it there is form; Fleeting and dim—within it there is substance." The Son of two stars lies east of the Old Man. Twinkling: a small appearance. The Grandson of two stars lies east of the Son. The Odes say: "Twinkling are those small stars, three or five in the east." Is this not what is meant?〉 Celestial Dog joins the Wolf in barking guard; Wild Cock watches for dawn at the ruins of Shen. 〈Celestial Dog of seven stars lies north of the Wolf; Wild Cock of one star lies southeast of Shen. The central street of the Celestial Market governs alarm and fear, hence the term barking guard. The cock can tell the hour, hence the term watching for dawn.〉 To the right are Lesser Supreme and Chariot Pivot—the empress's position, consorts following in order, high and low in rank. 〈Lesser Supreme of four stars lies southwest of the Supreme Palace; to the north are arrayed the positions of white-robed recluses. Chariot Pivot of seventeen stars lies north of the Seven Stars; there are positions for empress and consorts, high and low in order—all arranged in sequence.〉 Palace Mistress governs ritual; the Female Scribe holds the brush. 〈Palace Mistress of four stars lies beside the left of Gouchen; this star governs overseeing ritual, dignified bearing, and gait and pace. The Female Scribe of one star lies north of the Scribe Beneath the Pillar. The Female Scribe records and marks day and night, dusk and dawn, regulating the clepsydra and checking the time; she lies beside the right of Gouchen.〉 Inner Peace upholds ritual to watch for wickedness; Celestial Prison restrains faults and examines errors. 〈Inner Peace of four stars lies south of the Central Palace; when there are wicked and flattering affairs, ritual is used to correct them. Celestial Prison of six stars lies beneath the Dipper's head; when there are faults, their transgressions are punished.〉 Behind are Chariot Depot, Relay Inn, Gourd, and Celestial Ford, 〈Chariot Depot of seven stars lies east of the Celestial Ford; Relay Inn of five stars lies atop the Canopy of State; Gourd of five stars lies north of Beautiful Pearl; Celestial Ford of nine stars lies north of Gourd.〉 Supporting Frame shines bright; Beautiful Pearl and pendant gems. 〈Supporting Frame of seven stars lies east of the Celestial Ford; Beautiful Pearl of five stars lies north of Maid. Beautiful cassia, garment pearls, and pendant gems—the empress's splendid adornments. These stars govern the empress's attire.〉 Human Star attached to heaven in leisure; Weeping linked in succession, hastening to the tomb. 〈Human Star of five stars lies south of Chariot Depot. Attached: joined. Heaven: that is, heaven—the Human Star is close to leisure and ease. The Book of Changes says: "Sun, moon, and stars are attached to heaven." The Classic of Master Shi says: "When the Human Star is at ease, the people are at peace." Weeping of two stars lies south of Xu; Sobbing of three stars lies east of Weeping. Tombs of four stars lies south of Wei. The Weeping and Sobbing stars are arrayed in rows heading toward the Tombs, hence the term linked in succession.〉 River Drum thunders like crashing thunder; Soaring Serpent coils and winds in spiral rings. 〈River Drum of twelve stars lies north of the Southern Dipper; when this star is at the center of the southern sky at dusk, thunder resounds. The Book of Changes says: "Rouse them with thunder and lightning." This is what is meant. This star governs sound, hence the term crashing thunder. Soaring Serpent of twenty-two stars lies north of Encampment; its shape resembles a serpent, hence the term spiral rings.〉 Then I looked about in all directions and turned back toward the Pole of the Heavens. 〈Pole of the Heavens: the North Pole.〉 I had already seen Gouchen at the central forbidden precinct; I again beheld the Lord of Heaven at rest. 〈Gouchen of six stars lies within the Purple Palace, where the Celestial Emperor dwells. The various palaces, separate lodges, and Celestial Bed star are all places where he rests, sleeps, and roams.〉 Gradual Terrace may be ascended; Detached Palace may be approached. 〈Gradual Terrace and Detached Palace are both names of celestial palace terraces. Gradual Terrace of four stars lies at the eastern foot of the Weaving Maid. Detached Palace of six stars connects with Encampment. This means the Lord of Heaven sometimes ascends the Gradual Terrace to observe, or goes to the Detached Palace to roam. Approach: to go to; the Book of Rites says "he took up residence in the palace at Zongzhou."〉 Wine Banner raises the standard of fine wine; Woman's Bed arrays the grace of fair maidens. 〈Wine Banner of three stars lies at the left horn of Chariot Pivot; Heaven established a wine office for feasting and banqueting, hence the banner is raised as a marker. Woman's Bed of three stars lies at the northeastern end of Ji; they attend the daughters of the Lord of Heaven. To attend the Lord of Heaven, one must have the fair grace of Guan Ju and be free of jealousy—only then may one attend at the Lord of Heaven's side; hence the reference to arraying fair grace.〉 Imperial Procession Way winds and bends in faint radiance; Attendant Road stands beside the Cloud Gallery. 〈Imperial Procession Way of five stars lies at the western foot of the Weaving Maid; winding and small, hence the term faint radiance. Attendant Road of one star lies beside the Celestial Passage; the Lord of Heaven enters and exits via the Celestial Passage and Attendant Road. To guard against damage and injury, hence the term standing beside the Cloud Gallery.〉 Beyond the array of stars, between the Five Chariots, lie Salt Pool, Vast Marsh, Jade Well, Celestial Abyss, Planted Trees, Hundred Fruits, and Bamboo Grove. 〈Beyond the lodges is called the outer region. Salt Pool of three stars lies east of the Celestial Ford; Vast Marsh of twenty-three stars lies north of Maid; Jade Well of four stars lies at the left foot of Shen; Celestial Abyss of ten stars lies southeast of the Turtle star; Planted Trees and Hundred Fruits stars lie south of Stomach; Bamboo Grove of twenty-five stars lies southwest of the Garden.〉 River and Stream shine bright in the upper vault; white vapor drifts in mist, girdling heaven. 〈River: the Celestial River star. Celestial River of four stars lies north of Tail; the Celestial River star shines clearly visible in the sky. White vapor: the white mist of the Milky Way. White: pale. Drifting in mist, girdling heaven.〉 Divine Turtle gleams its shell in clear cool waters; dragon and fish scatter light to reflect in succession. 〈Divine Turtle is the Turtle star, five stars south of Tail. The turtle knows future events, hence called divine. It lies in the river, hence the term clear and cool. Dragon and fish: that is, Fish of one star, in the river behind Tail. Tail is the dragon lodge, hence dragon and fish. This star lies in the river; reflected by the Fish star, the water has a luminous glow.〉 There are also Southern Gate and Drum and Pipe, the Instrument Storehouse offices, playing string and bamboo music to delight the Emperor. 〈Southern Gate and Drum and Pipe of two stars lie south of Armory Tower, southwest of Wings. Instrument Storehouse of thirty-two stars lies south of Chariot Shaft. Instrument Storehouse governs string and bamboo affairs to entertain the Lord of Heaven.〉 Bear and brown bear spread across the sky's edge; tiger and leopard flash bright and blaze with light. 〈Tiger, Leopard, Bear, and Brown Bear of four stars lie beside the Wolf star.〉 Bow Spirit draws the bow to full draw; Wolf star quivers at the edge of the sky. 〈Wolf of one star lies southeast of Shen; Bow of nine stars lies southeast of Wolf. The Star Canon says: "When warfare rises under heaven, the bow is drawn across the sky."〉 Beyond them are Yan, Qin, Qi, and Zhao—the names of the feudal states. 〈Beyond: outside the lodges, there are again the names of various states. Qi of one star lies east of Nine Pitfalls; Zhao of two stars lies north of Qi; Zheng of one star lies north of Zhao; Yue of one star lies north of Zheng; Zhou of two stars lies east of Yue; Qin of two stars lies east of Zhou; Dai of two stars lies south of Qin; Jin of one star lies south of Dai; Han of one star lies west of Jin; Wei of one star lies north of Han; Chu of one star lies west of Han; Yan of one star lies south of Chu. The names of the various feudal states comprise twelve stars in all.〉 Thunder and lightning, crashing thunder; rain falls and clouds march. 〈March: to move. Thunder and Lightning of six stars lies south of Encampment; Crashing Thunder of five stars lies southwest of Senior Duke; Cloud and Rain of four stars lies south of Crashing Thunder.〉 Arrayed Chariots harness and drive south of Di; Celestial Team gallops in the Great Clarity. 〈Arrayed Chariots of three stars lies south of Di. Fang star is also called Celestial Team.〉 Gardens and parks wind around in curved array; granaries and storehouses differ in separate forms. 〈Celestial Garden of fourteen stars lies south of the Garden; Celestial Park of sixteen stars lies south of Mao and Bi; Celestial Granary of six stars lies south of Lou; Celestial Storehouse of four stars lies south of Mao—their forms differ and are not the same.〉 Within are the palaces of Master of Writing, Grand Judge, Grand One, and Heavenly One, 〈Master of Writing of five stars lies within the Purple Palace gate at the southeast corner. Grand Judge of two stars lies within the Purple Palace. Grand One and Heavenly One, one star each, lie close together south of the Purple Palace gate.〉 Scribe Beneath the Pillar records techniques, transmitting them without end. 〈Scribe Beneath the Pillar of one star lies east of the North Pole.〉 Six Jia attend to what the Great Emperor requires; Inner Kitchen presents imperial fare to the royal person. 〈Six Jia lie beneath the Canopy of State; Inner Kitchen of two stars lies outside the southwest corner of the Purple Palace.〉 Celestial Boat crosses the Milky Way to give universal aid; Accumulated Water watches for disaster within it. 〈Celestial Boat of nine stars lies north of Great Tomb; Accumulated Water of one star lies within Celestial Boat.〉 Hidden Virtue spreads great bounty to relieve the needy; Four Assistants flank the imperial pivot and expound the celestial teaching. 〈Hidden Virtue of two stars lies west of Master of Writing; Four Assistants of four stars flank the North Pole. Spread: to distribute. Great: large. Celestial: heaven. The office of Hidden Virtue must have a yang recompense. Hidden giving and open reward are the constant numbers of nature; poverty, hardship, and death by starvation are the utmost trials of the people. To reach such destitution and □ death is to encounter the end of Hidden Virtue. Thus the destitute need not hope for relief yet bounty comes of itself; the giver seeks no reward yet recompense comes unbidden. This is the principle within the hidden realm—would the great signs vainly fabricate their radiance? The Four Assistants stars both flank and assist the pivot of the North Pole and can expound and spread the Lord of Heaven's teachings, hence the term expounding the celestial teaching.〉 Vast is the great void; spacious is the imperial court. 〈Vast and spacious: both describe the appearance of broadness and clear emptiness. Laozi said: "Heaven's net is vast; though sparse, nothing escapes it." Emperor refers to the Supreme Palace.〉 Five thrones are all established; numinous spirits gather here. 〈Five thrones: the seats of the Five Emperors within the Supreme Palace. Yellow Emperor Lingweiyang holds the east; [3] Red Emperor Chibinu holds the south; White Emperor Baizhaoju holds the west; Black Emperor Zhiguangji holds the north; Yellow Emperor Hanshuniu holds the center. The Five Emperors each differ, all gathering at the palace of the spirits to deliberate on state affairs with them. The Apocryphal Text on Divine Accord of the Classic of Filial Piety says: "Thrones are established and spirits gather to deliberate." This is what is meant.〉 Then he commanded Sparkling Deluder to watch those who are arrogant and excessive. 〈Sparkling Deluder usually enters the Supreme Palace in the tenth and eleventh months, constrained to watch over lawless states, hence the term watching those who are arrogant and excessive.〉 Law Enforcement investigates and reports at the southern gate; the Five Marquises deliberate on doubtful cases at the Water Balance. 〈The southern gate of the Supreme Palace is called Law Enforcement. Investigate and report: to expose wickedness and recommend merit. The Five Marquises of five stars lie in the northeast. Eastern Well is the Water Balance, judging doubtful cases; the Five Marquises deliberate and assess them.〉 Metal and Fire appear at times to form the weft; seven lodges guard and support as the warp. 〈Metal and Fire: Sparkling Deluder and Great White. Seven lodges: the seven lodges of one direction. In astronomy the five planets are called the weft and the twenty-eight lodges the warp; thus by mentioning Metal, Fire, and seven lodges, the five planets and twenty-eight lodges may be understood. This means the five planets rise and set, hide and appear at fixed times, and do not always emerge.〉 Bright and luminous they shine together, splendid as the glory of late spring. 〈This means the stars spread their radiance like the splendor of spring.〉
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宿 使 宿 觿 西 西 西
Seeing the celestial offices spread in array, kings therefore take them as models for the splendid capital. 〈This means the celestial offices are spread above, and kings emulate them below. The Analects says "Only Heaven is great; only Yao matched it."〉 When calamities and anomalies arise, they appear at no fixed place. 〈This means calamities and anomalies appear at no fixed lodge but settle according to good or evil. If Zheng state had trouble, the omen would appear at Jiao and Kang.〉 Returning Evil in profusion; flying stars, streaming stars, and lightning rise. 〈Like stars yet not stars, like clouds yet not clouds—this is called Returning Evil. Mixed with faint vapor, hence called profusion. Flying: the flying star. Streaming: the streaming star. Flying star and streaming star differ: the flying star blazes away and its trail vanishes; the streaming star leaves a trail that does not fade. Lightning rise: like blazing lightning stretching long.〉 When an evil star rises, disaster reaches Duke Ping of Jin; when serpent mounts dragon, calamity links Zhou and Chu. 〈In spring of the tenth year of Duke Xiang of Lu, first month, day wuzi, an evil star appeared from Maid and was seen in the Shen quarter. Maid belongs to Qi; Shen is Jin's allotment. Zishen saw the evil star appear and knew the Marquis of Jin would die on day wuzi. Serpent mounting dragon: in the twenty-eighth year of Duke Xiang, the Year Star reached the Celestial Ford, at fifteen degrees of Dark Epsilon, below Xu. The Year Star governs wood, its position in the east; its body corresponds to Fang and Xin, hence called dragon. Xu is in Kan, the zi position, next to Dark Epsilon, of the turtle-and-serpent kind. The Year Star lost its station, traveling outside Xu and emerging below it, hence serpent mounting dragon. The dragon position is Longevity Star, the allotment of Song and Zheng. Zishen saw serpent mounting dragon and knew famine would be in Song and Zheng. Yet Pizao believed both the King of Zhou and the Lord of Chu would die. The two men interpreted the omen differently and saw different outcomes. Zishen and Pizao were fine historians of antiquity.〉 Some took proof from Duke of Feng; some traced the omen to the clash at Wu. 〈Duke of Feng: a Qi settlement, ancestor of the Jiang clan. When Duke of Feng died, this star also appeared; Zishen traced the star and compared by this, knowing Duke Ping of Jin would die. Clash at Wu: Xu lodge opposes Wu. Wu is Zhang and Yi; Zhang and Yi are the allotments of Zhou and Chu; Pizao divined and knew the King of Zhou and Lord of Chu would die, hence tracing the omen to the clash at Wu.〉 Then there was reverent brilliance spreading light, and the Earth Star moving retrograde into the Water Office. 〈In ancient times Yao encountered the great flood; the Earth Star moved retrograde into the Water Office. The Documents say: "Reverent, brilliant, refined, and thoughtful, his glory spread over all the states."〉 Great waves engulfed heaven; the achievement ascended to Great Yu. 〈When the flood had risen, Yao ordered Gun to control it but the work did not succeed; he then ordered Yu to control it and level it. Yu had the hardship of saving the world and the achievement of controlling water. The Documents say: "The flood engulfed heaven." It also says: "Yu was granted the dark jade scepter and reported the completion of his work."〉 This was the great cycle of hidden numbers, not a lapse in governance. 〈First encountering the flood caused the anomaly of the Earth Star moving retrograde; it was not caused by lack of virtue—this was the cycle of fate responding thus.〉 The wonder beyond signs cannot be sought by coarse reasoning; within the doubly hidden, it is hard to see by torchlight. 〈This means the hidden principle is subtle and cannot be known or seen.〉 As for what spirits feel, it swiftly surpasses alarm and echo. When Jing Ke admired Dan, a white rainbow pierced the sun but did not pass through; 〈In ancient times Jing Ke admired the righteousness of Crown Prince Dan of Yan and entered Qin as an assassin; though his utmost sincerity moved heaven, the affair in the end did not succeed.〉 When Master Wei drew up strategy, Great White eclipsed Mao and blazed bright. 〈In ancient times Master Wei drew up strategy for Qin at Changping; King Zhaoxang doubted and did not believe; Great White had the anomaly of eclipsing Mao.〉 Luyang waved his hand, and the Radiant Spirit turned back its carriage for him; 〈Luyang was a worthy man of antiquity who waved at the sun with his hand and could make it turn back twice.〉 When Yan Ling came to visit, guest qi appeared in the celestial signs. 〈In ancient times when Emperor Guangwu was still in common dress, he and Yan Ling were close friends. When he ascended the throne, Ling came to see him; the Grand Astrologer reported: "The Guest Star violates the Imperial Seat." Emperor Guangwu decreed: "It is Yan Ziling, not a guest."〉 These all deeply moved the spirits and truly responded in times past. Then the four seasons follow in scale; the Dipper establishes and the stations shift. Though there is no spoken word, the Three Luminaries know. 〈The four seasons succeed each other without fixity; each month the Dipper shifts to establish one station; heaven has no spoken words but only shows reproof through changes in the stars.〉 Lodges at culmination are fixed at dusk and dawn; shadow measures by them are not in error. Flood and drought are measured before they occur; the safety or peril of regions to come is prognosticated. 〈First month of early spring: at dusk Shen at culmination, at dawn Tail at culmination; second month of mid-spring: at dusk Bow at culmination, at dawn Establishment star at culmination; third month of late spring: at dusk Seven Stars at culmination, at dawn Oxherd at culmination; first month of early summer: at dusk Wings at culmination, at dawn Maid at culmination; second month of mid-summer: at dusk Kang at culmination, at dawn Wei at culmination; third month of late summer: at dusk Heart at culmination, at dawn Kui at culmination; first month of early autumn: at dusk Establishment star at culmination, at dawn Bi at culmination; second month of mid-autumn: at dusk Oxherd at culmination, at dawn Zi and Zhi at culmination; third month of late autumn: at dusk Xu at culmination, at dawn Willow at culmination; first month of early winter: at dusk Wei at culmination, at dawn Seven Stars at culmination; second month of mid-winter: at dusk Eastern Wall at culmination, at dawn Chariot Shaft at culmination; third month of late winter: at dusk Lou at culmination, at dawn Di at culmination. On the day of the winter solstice, an eight-foot gnomon is set up; the shadow is one zhang three chi five cun; on the day of the summer solstice the shadow is one chi six cun. Long shadow means flood; short shadow means drought.〉 When yin essence mounts Winnowing Basket, great gales beat the evening drum; entering Bi to the southwest, then excessive rain pours down. 〈Yin essence: the moon. Losing its path to the northeast and entering Winnowing Basket, then much wind. Shifting to the southwest, losing its path and entering Bi, then much rain. Rain for three days is excessive rain. The Odes say: "The moon stops at Bi, and sends down the pouring rain." The Documents say: "Stars have affinity for wind; stars have affinity for rain." This is what is meant.〉 It is like the Jin bell responding when the copper mountain collapsed, or wind and clouds following the striped dragon. 〈This means clouds follow the dragon and wind follows the tiger—like qi seeks like, like kinds respond; when the Shu mountains collapsed the Jin bell rang.〉 As for the dark carriage secretly driven, riding the six hornless dragons in season. The Great Instrument turns in its cycle; the myriad signs all flow. 〈Six hornless dragons: six dragons. The Book of Changes says: "In season ride the six dragons to govern heaven." This all refers to heaven turning in its cycle.〉 The Northern Dipper suddenly tilts west; the host of stars suddenly hide in darkness. 〈Dark: dim.〉 Wangshu loosens the reins to gallop through the degrees; the numinous wheel completes the circuit by dawn. 〈Wangshu: the moon. The moon travels thirteen degrees and seven nineteenths of a degree per day; a full circuit is three hundred sixty-five and one quarter degrees. Heaven in one day and one night turns one degree of the full circuit. Complete: a full circuit; reaching dawn and completing the circuit, hence completing the circuit by dawn.〉
13
退
Then I concentrated my spirit and gazed far, letting my eyes range over the eight directions. Examining it, there is no form; viewing it, it is vast and boundless. It seems like primordial chaos before division, or like floating on the sea and beholding the vast waves. Remote and distant, rare and formless—how could an inch-wide gaze fathom its bounds? 〈Concentrating the spirit: the essence does not move. This means gazing far to the side, blankly like the beginning of creation when primal qi was undivided, like floating on the sea and looking far without seeing its edge. The Analects says: "Ride a raft and float on the sea." Laozi said: Listen but do not hear its sound—this is called rare; look but do not see its form—this is called formless.〉 Then at night facing mountains and waters, I rested my heart in the high mirror. Seeking far into antiquity, I sang alone with quiet ease. I praised the Luminous Star continuing daylight, and the great virtue of Tang Yao. 〈The Chart of Auspicious Responses says: "The Luminous Star is large as half a moon, born at new and full moon, aiding the moon's brightness." In Yao's time this star appeared, hence we praise Yao's virtue for bringing it forth.〉 I praised the Yellow Star without sharp points, showing Yu Shun's lack of contention. 〈In ancient times when Shun was about to receive the abdication from Yao, a star appeared first, round and without sharp points. This means Shun would use the virtue of Earth to rule all under heaven. A star appearing without rays or horns shows receiving through yielding, not contending by military force.〉 I recalled Lü Shang's dream at night, how he ascended to assist and wing the sage. 〈In ancient times before the Grand Duke met King Wen, he fished at Panxi; at night he dreamed the spirit of the Dipper's Assistant star told Shang of the intent to attack Zhou. The account appears in the Apocryphal Text of the Documents.〉 I admired Guan Zhong's discerning the subtle, seeing Xu and Wei and knowing fate. 〈In ancient times Guan Zhong and Bao Shuya traded together at Nanyang; they saw three stars gathered in the Xu-Wei division and knew Qi would have a hegemon; they joined forces and came to Qi.〉 I sighed over Sparkling Deluder dwelling at the Heart, and exalted Song Jing's guarding his governance. 〈In Spring and Autumn times Sparkling Deluder dwelt at the Heart; Duke Jing did not follow Shi Wei's words; Sparkling Deluder withdrew, extending his reign twenty years.〉 I extolled the Han Founder's entering Qin, and the marvel of the five planets gathering in radiance. 〈In ancient times when the Han Founder entered Qin, the five planets gathered at Eastern Well, Qin's allotment.〉 Then the calendar and signs being complete, I wandered idly at the cliff's edge. 〈Wandering idly: strolling at ease. The Documents say: "The calendar and signs, sun, moon, and stars."〉 Searching what the charts and records note, I set down stellar changes in written contracts. Reviewing former ages about to fall, all were warned in darkened times. 〈This means when former ages' rulers were about to perish, heaven always announced omens of calamity and anomaly.〉 Jie executed remonstrators and a broom star appeared; Zhou was debauched and wasteful and a comet came. 〈When the Luminous Star appears, peace responds; when comets and broom stars arise, calamity and disorder rise—this is heaven's constant. In ancient times Xia Jie was without the Way, executed Guan Longfeng to the utmost evil; a broom star appeared; Tang attacked him and exiled him to the wilds of Mingtiao. Yin Zhou set up the branding pillar; a comet appeared; King Wu raised the white banner against him.〉 Fixed stars invisible marked Zhou's decline; Crooked Arrow serpent-moving marked Qin's destruction. 〈In ancient times in the fourth month of the tenth year of Duke Zhuang of Lu, fixed stars were not seen; from then on the Zhou house declined. Crooked Arrow appeared, moving serpent-like without a tail; from the time Xiang Yu entered the passes, there was this omen. See the Book of Han.〉 Surely human affairs have their causes—how could calamitous omens be vainly set forth? 〈This means heaven responds in the hidden realm and celestial signs change accordingly; the key lies in human affairs—calamitous omens are not mere omens alone.〉 Truly mediocre rulers are hard to reform; hence enlightened rulers examine these signs. 〈This means dark and mediocre rulers, when celestial signs warn them, cannot change their conduct to answer heaven's changes; worthy and enlightened rulers are not so—when they see heavenly calamities and anomalies, they fear and cultivate virtue.〉 Even Yao in non-action still observed the signs—how much more so those whose virtue falls short of the ancients? 〈When Tang Yao's governance was utmost, he still examined the celestial armillary and the seven regulators—how much more should those whose virtue does not match antiquity observe them?〉
14
宿
Previously under Emperors Daowu and Mingyuan, Grand Astrologers Wang Liang and Su Tan; after Emperor Taiwu conquered Helong, he obtained Feng Wentong's Grand Astrologer Min Sheng; under Emperor Gaozu, Grand Astrologer Zhao Fansheng—all understood astronomy. Later Grand Astrologers Zhao Sheng, Zhao Yi, Zhao Hongqing, Hu Shirong, Hu Fatong, and others of two clans—their families for generations practiced the celestial office. There was also Rongcheng Magistrate Xu Lu, skilled in observation and prognostication. Under Emperor Shizong he was imprisoned in Jizhou for an offense; Assistant Governor Cui Longzong came to the prison to console him. Lu said, "Last night the relay-horse star streamed—I calculate an amnesty will arrive immediately." Longzong believed him first and sent someone to test by going outside the city to wait; soon the amnesty arrived. People of the time valued him highly. In the Yong'an era, an edict appointed Gao Chongzu of Hengzhou, skilled in astronomy whose prognostications of fortune and misfortune were often verified, as Regular Palace Attendant in special appointment. In the Yongxi era, an edict ordered Direct Palace Attendant Sun Senghua together with Grand Astrologer Hu Shirong, Zhang Long, Zhao Hongqing, and Palace Secretariat Attendant Sun Ziliang and others to collate and compare astronomical books in the outer office under the Gate. They compiled the star canons of the Gan and Shi schools and twenty-three schools of prognostication from Han and Wei, totaling fifty-five scrolls. Later they gathered essentials from various schools and miscellaneous prognostications submitted before and after, arranged by category; sun, moon, five planets, twenty-eight lodges, and inner and outer official charts—seventy-five scrolls in all.
15
[4]
Senghua was a man of Dongguan. He knew stellar divisions and, consulting celestial prognostication, spoke of calamities and anomalies, [4] sometimes hitting the mark. In the Putai era Erzhu Shilong disliked his many words and had him imprisoned in the Court of Justice; he was dismissed from office. In the Yongxi era Emperor Chu summoned Senghua and Regular Palace Attendant Sun An'du to compile military treatises together; before completion the emperor entered the passes and the work was abandoned. He died at Jinyang in the Yuanxiang era.
16
[5] 忿
At that time there was Xin Dufang of Hejian, styled Wanglin, [5] who loved learning and was skilled in astronomy and calculation; he was greatly appreciated by Prince of Anfeng Yanming. Yanming's household had many books; he wished to copy and compile mathematical matters of the Five Classics into a Five Classics Master and musical matters ancient and modern into a Book of Music; he also gathered armillary spheres, tilt vessels, seismoscopes, bronze birds, clepsydrae, wind-indicators, and other ingenious devices, with diagrams as standards for instruments. He had Fang calculate them all. When Yanming fled south, Fang then compiled commentaries himself. Later he hid on the eastern mountain of Leping in Bingzhou. Prefect Murong Baole heard of him and summoned him; Fang had no choice but to see him. Then Baole's younger brother Shaozong recommended him to Prince Xianwu of Qi, who appointed him Field-Camp Officer of the Central and Outer Offices. Fang's nature was pure, frugal, and plain; he did not blend with others. Shaozong provided him with a mule but he refused to ride; at night Shaozong sent maids to test him; Fang angrily shouted and beat them, not allowing them near. He was aloof and self-contained, seeking nothing from others. Later he also studied differential calculus and right triangles, and again compiled a History Master with his own commentary—several tens of scrolls in all. He died in the Wuding era.
17
西 輿 宿 輿 [6] 輿
Yin Shao was a man of Changle. From youth he was clever and keen, fond of yin-yang arts and numerology; he traveled to study in various regions and mastered the Nine Chapters and Seven Luminaries. Under Emperor Taiwu he was Calculation Student Doctor and served in the Eastern Palace Western Section; through his arts he was known to Prince Gongzong. In the fourth year of Tai'an, summer, he submitted the Four Seasons Geomancy, memorializing: "Your servant, during the Yao clan's era, studied at Yichuan and then met the wandering great scholar Cheng Gongxing, from whom I sought the essentials of the Nine Chapters. Xing, styled Guangming, said he was from Jiaodong. He lived hidden in the mountains, rarely appearing among people. When Xing was about to take your servant south to the Jiuya Cliff of Yangdi to visit the monk Tan Ying. Xing then returned north; your servant alone stayed behind, relying on Ying's place and requesting the Nine Chapters. Ying then took your servant to the eastern mountain of Changguang to see the Daoist Fazmu. Fazmu together with Ying opened and explained the Nine Chapters and various essentials of numerology schools for your servant, unfolding chapter order and main purport. He also expounded hidden examination of the five viscera, six bowels, heart, marrow, and blood vessels; commercial calculation and grand reckoning; sections and variations of dark signs; earth gnomon and Zhou bi. Refining essence and keen thought, practicing four years—what I heard from Mu I roughly grasp in outline. Mu and the others were benevolent and compassionate, especially showing concern; they also gave me the annotated text of the Yellow Emperor's Four Seasons Classic by Master He—thirty-six scrolls, three hundred twenty-four chapters in all, devoted to the roots of heaven and earth, yin and yang. The first, Early Sequence, nine scrolls and eighty-one chapters, explains the origin of yin-yang pairing; The second, Middle Sequence, nine scrolls and eighty-one chapters, explains the waxing and waning, flourishing, resting, and killing of the four seasons and fortune and misfortune; The third, Late Sequence, nine scrolls and eighty-one chapters, clarifies the mutual generation of sun, moon, lodges, and conjunctions as inner and outer; The fourth, Final Sequence, nine scrolls and eighty-one chapters, fully explains the six jia, punishments, blessings, and virtue: these texts were transmitted to your servant. The mountain spirits strictly forbade taking them out; after investigating for years, I roughly extracted the essentials. Mountain life was perilous and I could not support myself; unable to bear the hardship, my mind grew slack. In the jiayin year, when the sun reached the Quail Fire station and the month the Forest Bell pitch, the seasonal qi was lush and abundant, moved by things I longed to return; I took leave of Ying and the others. From then until now, forty-five years. Observing geomancy and the eight assemblies in current custom, they have circulated long with copied errors; taboos of fortune and misfortune cannot be fully known. Sometimes one chooses an auspicious day but hits an inauspicious assembly, using the auspicious for the inauspicious—often meeting disaster and blame. Also Shi Qian and Hao Zhen, great scholars of middle antiquity, [6] each wrote commentaries circulating in the world. In matching assemblies large and small and narrating yin and yang, though following the original classic, there are still gaps. Your servant formerly in the Eastern Palace submitted a memorial on this; he received the sacred edict of Emperor Jingmu ordering your servant to compile and record, gathering the essentials. Upholding the bright command, I respectfully examined the Four Seasons Classic text seen before, copied the essentials needed for current fortune and misfortune in action, and compiled one scroll. From the Son of Heaven down to commoners, and the ranks noble and base, high and low distinctions, and fortune and misfortune used—none are not fully provided. Before presenting internally, the former emperor passed away. Your servant was then in distress, nearly meeting disaster. Since suspension, eight years have passed; I wish to report upward but cannot reach through. Moreover age advances and teeth decline; remaining years are short; I daily fear death and falling into ditches and gullies—the former emperor's last wish cannot be enacted. Day and night grieved and indignant, reason forbids concealment; following the prior compilation I submit, respectfully reporting upward. Please deliver to erudites of the Central Secretariat versed in the classics to determine its gains and losses. If the matter can be applied, I beg it be promulgated for use. The Four Seasons Geomancy then circulated widely in the world.
18
[7] 西
Wang Zao was a man of Nanpi in Bohai. He understood yin-yang, the Nine Palaces, and military arts, [7] and was especially skilled in wind observation. Under Emperor Mingyuan, after the chaos of destruction, mutual killing was frequent. Someone came to Zao seeking victory techniques; Zao set up methods so each would be without blame. For this the district praised him. At that time the Zheng clan of Dongguan was killed by the Zhao clan of the same district. Later the Zheng clan captured their enemy the Zhao clan and fixed the next morning for the clan to gather and execute him at the tomb. The Zhao clan sought help from Zao; Zao observed and prognosticated and also gave a talisman, saying, "You should return now and select seven strong men; let one be leader, wear this talisman, and lie in wait at cockcrow two li southeast of the enemy's house. At daybreak ten men will follow each other, going northwest; among them two ride black oxen—the foremost black ox first, the seventh should be the seventh black ox. Just seize the seventh and bring him back—the affair will surely have no other outcome." The Zhao clan followed this; it happened exactly as he said—it was the father of the five Zheng sons. The sons were all respected by their clan; thus the two families reconciled and the Zhao clan escaped.
19
使 西 便 使 西 輿
Later Zao stood at the gate with a guest early in the morning when a sudden wind shook the trees. Zao told the guest, "By the method there should be an urgent messenger from a thousand li away. At midday two horses, one white and one red, will come from the southwest. When they arrive they will seize me and force me away, not allowing me to bid farewell to wife and children." When he finished speaking he went in, summoned family and neighbors to bid farewell. When done he bathed, belted his book satchel, and at midday went out to wait for the messenger. As expected, two horses, one white and one red, came from Liangzhou; they seized Zao onto a horse and went straight to the mobile palace. At that time Emperor Taiwu had not yet taken Liangzhou, so Xu Yan recommended him. Zao was Yan's teacher. When he arrived, an edict asked when the city would be taken. Zao replied, "Your Majesty need only shift camp to the northwest corner—in three days it will surely fall." Emperor Taiwu followed this and it fell on schedule. When the imperial carriage returned to the capital, there had long been no rain. Emperor Taiwu asked Zao, "When will it rain?" Zao said, "Today at the shen hour there will surely be great rain." By the wei hour there was still not a cloud; Emperor Taiwu summoned Zao to question him. Zao said, "I beg a little more time." At the shen hour clouds gathered from four sides and great rain poured down. Emperor Taiwu thought well of him, but Zao pleaded illness and begged to return home; an edict permitted it. He died at home. Some say Xu Yan, because his art surpassed his own, feared it would ultimately hinder him, and so deceived him into returning.
20
鹿 退 忿 鹿
Geng Xuan was a man of Songzi in Julu. He was skilled at divination. Sitting in his room, when a guest knocked he already knew the guest's surname and what he carried and the intent of his visit. In his divination by tortoise shell and yarrow stalks, eight or nine of ten hit the mark. He also had forest divination, sometimes transmitted in the world. But his nature did not harmonize with the vulgar; when kings and nobles wished to seek his divination, Xuan refused and would not consent, always saying, "Now that you are already noble, what more do you seek that you again divinate—do you desire the unexpected?" In the capital of Dai the laws were strict; kings and nobles hearing this were all startled and withdrew. Thus Xuan was much hated and resented, not favored by the noble and victorious. He reached the post of Administrator of Julu.
21
Under Emperors Xianzu and Gaozu there were Gao Daodi of Bohai and Zhao Facheng of Qinghe, both famous in the world. Under Emperors Shizong and Suzong, Chief of the Imperial Carriage Wei Daoxian of Qinghe, Chief of the Imperial Carriage Zhou Shi, Administrator of Wei Commandery Gao Yueguang of Zhangwu, Yueguang's younger brother Mingyue, Ren Xuanzhi, and Pan Na of Yongzhou—all excelled in yin-yang divination. Thus among diviners Xuan was the most congenial. Champion General Jia Yuanshao of Puyang, Lü Chun of Zhangwu, Feng Dao'an of Jibei, Feng Huai of Henei, and Li Wenshu of Hai'dong Commandery were all skilled in arts; among them Daoxian, Yueguang, and Wenshu were superior—the rest did not match. Meng Gang of Fuyang and Wang Lingjun of Rao'an were skilled at recording wind angles; Yan Etou of Zhangwu was skilled at divination—they also used Geng Xuan's forest divination and were most renowned at the time. Liu Bian of Fanyang was also famous in the world.
22
巿
Liu Lingzhu was a man of Yan Commandery. He studied under Liu Bian, fond of yin-yang divination but coarse and unrestrained; he often traveled the border of Yan and Heng, sometimes peddling, sometimes robbing, selling arts in the market. Later from Dai he came to Xiurong and entered the service of Erzhu Rong. Rong trusted divination; Lingzhu's prognostications often hit the mark and he was treated with intimacy, serving as Staff Officer of Rong's headquarters.
23
祿 便
At the beginning of Jianyi, Rong at Heyin slaughtered all the kings, dukes, and ministers. Chief of the Imperial Carriage Lu Daoxian and his brothers also came in succession to the mobile palace; Lingzhu, as their countryman, protected them, and thus several tens of court officials escaped harm together with the Lu clan. When Rong entered the capital, Lingzhu was specially promoted to Director of the Imperial Secretariat, enfeoffed as Baron of Changzi with a fief of seven hundred households; soon his title was advanced to duke with a combined fief of one thousand households. Later following Rong he captured Ge Rong and was specially appointed Regular Palace Attendant, General Who Pacifies the Army, and Governor of Youzhou. He also followed Grand General Prince of Shangdang Tian Mu against Xing Gao. At that time the displaced people of Lucheng in Youzhou were the most fierce; Lingzhu was ordered to act as Acting Master of Writing to comfort them before the army. When the affair was settled Yuan Hao entered Luoyang and Tian Mu crossed the river. Lingzhu first met Erzhu Rong at Taihang. When about to attack Henei, Rong had Lingzhu divinate. Lingzhu said, "It will surely be taken at the wei hour." The time was already past midday and the troops were weary; Lingzhu said, "The hour has come." Rong beat the drums; officers and soldiers leaped forward and immediately captured it. When they reached Beizhong, Rong could not take the city; as it was the height of summer, they discussed returning for a while to wait for autumn cool. Emperor Zhuang ordered Lingzhu to divinate. Lingzhu said, "The rebels will surely be broken." The edict asked, "What day?" Lingzhu said, "Between the eighteenth and nineteenth." It happened exactly as he said. When the imperial carriage returned to the palace, he headed the Great Rectifier of Youzhou; soon he was additionally appointed General Who Conquers the East with five hundred added households and advanced to Duke of Yan Commandery; an edict posthumously appointed his father Seng'an Governor of Youzhou. Soon he also served as Acting Left Vice Director of the Imperial Secretariat, comforting displaced people of Youzhou at Puyang and Dunqiu, and leading the people north. Together with Commander Hou Yuan and others he attacked Han Lou, remnant of Ge Rong, and destroyed him at Ji. He then put provincial affairs in order, was additionally appointed General of Chariots and Cavalry, and also served as Mobile Headquarters for You, Ping, Ying, and An provinces.
24
西 [8] 使
When Erzhu Rong died, Emperor Zhuang was secretly killed. Lingzhu was originally of humble origin; reaching this position in one morning, he believed his arts could move the masses. Also seeing signs of Erzhu's destruction, Lingzhu then styled himself King of Yan, Grand General of Chariots and Cavalry, Director with credentials equal to the Three Excellencies, and Grand Mobile Headquarters, raising righteous troops for Emperor Zhuang. Lingzhu trained a great bird, calling it his auspicious sign; he falsely spoke of charts and prophecies, saying the Liu clan would become kings, and also said, "If you wish to know how to escape the world, enter Bird Village." He then carved felt into human figures, painted talisman texts on peachwood, and devised sorcery and exorcistic rites. Many among the people believed in him. At that time Bufan of the Gedouling clan in Hedong raised troops against Jinyang; Erzhu Zhao fought repeatedly without success, so Lingzhu declared, "The Erzhu will perish of themselves—I need no army of my own. Thereupon the people of You, Ying, Cang, and Ji provinces all rallied to him. Followers lit fires at night as signals; any village that failed to do so was jointly put to the sword. In the third month of Putai 1, he led his forces to Anguo city in Boling and fought Chilie Yanqing, Hou Yuan, Erzhu Yusheng, and others. Defeated and captured, he was executed at Dingzhou; his head was sent to Luoyang and his body dismembered. Earlier Lingzhu had often said, "At the end of the third month I shall surely enter Dingzhou, and the Erzhu will also surely perish." When battle was near, Lingzhu divined for himself; the hexagram was inauspicious. He snapped the yarrow stalks, threw them to the ground, and said, "What does this know?" He was soon captured; indeed he entered Dingzhou in the third month, while Prince Xianwu of Qi in the intercalary second month of the following year defeated the Four Hu at Hanling Mountain, [8] and destroyed Zhao and his allies. In Yongxi 2 he was posthumously granted Bearer of the Staff, Regular Palace Attendant, Area Commander-in-Chief for You, Ying, and Ji, General of Agile Cavalry, Left Vice Director of the Imperial Secretariat, Director with credentials equal to the Three Excellencies, and Governor of Youzhou, with posthumous title Gong.
25
His son Zonghui succeeded to the title. In the Xinghe era he held an open directorate; when Qi received the abdication, he was demoted according to precedent.
26
西
Jiang Shi, courtesy name Fa'an, was a native of Jiyang in Chenliu. His sixth-generation ancestor Qiong, courtesy name Mengju, was Jin Administrator of Fufeng and excelled at seal script and glossarial exegesis. During the great chaos of the Yongjia era, Qiong resigned his post and went west to Zhang Gui; his descendants settled in Liang territory and passed down the family profession for generations. His grandfather Qiang, courtesy name Wenwei, was relocated to the capital of Dai in Taiyan 5 when Liangzhou was pacified. He submitted more than thirty written methods, each with its own categories, and also presented over a thousand scrolls of classics, histories, and masters' works; for this he was promoted to Erudite of the Central Secretariat. On his death he was posthumously granted the title Administrator of Dunhuang. His father Shaoxing, recommended by Gao Yun as Secretary, managed the national history for more than twenty years and was known for prudence and steadiness. He died while serving as Administrator of Zhao commandery.
27
殿
From youth Shi devoted himself to the family learning. Over several years he often dreamed of two men instructing each other; on waking he always had something to record. He was first appointed Adjunct Acting Staff Officer to the Minister of Education and Investigating Censor; soon after he was appointed General Who Slays Bandits and Director of Tallies and Credentials. For writing the honorific title and posthumous edict of Empress Dowager Wen, he was specially appointed Attendant at Court while retaining the post of Director of Tallies and Credentials. Shi was especially skilled at seal script; the gate plaques of Luoyang's palaces were all written by him.
28
In the third month of Yanchang 3, Shi submitted a memorial saying:
29
Your servant has heard that when Fuxi arose the eight trigrams displayed their lines, and when the Yellow Emperor arose tortoise shells and yarrow stalks revealed their patterns. The ancient scribe Cangjie contemplated the lines of the two images, observed the tracks of birds and beasts, and created writing to replace knotted cords, using written contracts to govern affairs. In the royal court of King Xuan, the hundred crafts were ordered; recorded in the registers, the myriad things were clarified. Down to the Three Dynasties their forms differed considerably; though models were taken by category, they could not entirely depart from Cangjie's system. Thus the Rites of Zhou: at eight years one enters primary school, and the tutor teaches the sons of the state the six scripts—first indicative, second pictographic, third phonetic, fourth ideographic, fifth derivative gloss, and sixth loan. This was roughly the transmitted method of Scribe Cang. When King Xuan's Grand Scribe Shizhou composed fifteen chapters in great seal script, they sometimes matched and sometimes differed from ancient script; people of the time called this "Zhou script." When Confucius fixed the Six Classics and Zuo Qiuming narrated the Spring and Autumn, all used ancient script—their intent can be understood.
30
使
Afterward the seven states followed separate paths and writing diverged; when Qin united the realm, Chancellor Li Si memorialized to abolish forms that did not accord with Qin script. Si composed the Cangjie primer; Director of the Central Chariot Office Zhao Gao composed the Aili primer; Grand Scribe Humu Jing composed the Boxue primer—all drew on Shizhou's great seal with some simplification and alteration, what is called small seal script. Thereupon Qin burned the classics and washed away old canons; official prisons multiplied, and to pursue brevity and ease, clerical script began to be used. Ancient script thus fell out of use. Clerical script: the First Emperor had Xiadu native Cheng Miao derive it from small seal script; because Miao was a convict laborer (li), it was called clerical script. Thus Qin had eight scripts: first great seal, second small seal, third tally script, fourth worm script, fifth seal impression, sixth signature script, seventh weapon script, and eighth clerical script.
31
使
When Han arose there was the Commandant's Law School, again teaching Zhou script and practicing the eight scripts; those who tested highest became Secretariat clerks. When officials and commoners submitted documents, incorrect characters led to impeachment. There was also cursive script; who began it is unknown—examining its written form, though without fixed rules, it was also a temporary adaptation of the age. In the time of Emperor Xuan, those who could read Cangjie were summoned; only Zhang Chang received instruction. Inspector of Liangzhou Du Ye, Pei native Yuan Li, and Erudite Qin Jin could also speak of it. In Emperor Ping's time, Li and more than a hundred others were summoned to explain writing in Weiyang Palace; Li was made Chief Erudite of the Primary School. Yellow Gate Gentleman Yang Xiong gathered this material to compose the Xunzuan primer. When Wang Mang held the regency, deeming himself destined to make institutions for the age, he had Grand Minister Zhen Feng collate the section on writing and considerably revised ancient script. At the time there were six scripts: first ancient script, the books from Confucius's wall; second odd characters, that is ancient script with variant forms; third seal script, meaning small seal; fourth assistant script, Qin clerical script; fifth twisted seal, used for seal impressions; sixth bird-and-worm, used for banners and credentials. The wall books: when King Gong of Lu destroyed Confucius's house he obtained the Rites, Documents, Spring and Autumn, Analects, and Classic of Filial Piety. Also Marquis Cang of Beiping presented the Zuo Tradition of the Spring and Autumn; its script resembled that of the Kong clan—the ancient script of former ages.
32
穿
Later Han Gentleman Cao Xi of Fufeng was called skilled at seal script; slightly differing from Si's method yet very refined, and from then on later students all followed his method. An edict also ordered Attendant-in-Ordinary Jia Kui to repair old texts. Special arts and unusual techniques are one strand of royal teaching—if anything could benefit the state, none was not fully gathered. Kui was the teacher of Xu Shen of Runan in ancient-script learning. Later Shen lamented the curiosity of his age, sighed at vulgar Confucian pedantry, grieved that texts were ruined by praise and characters spoiled by censure, that capricious distortion ran wild in the world; therefore he composed Explaining Graphs and Analyzing Characters in fifteen chapters, from yi to hai, each with its own category, including glosses of the Six Arts and all books, evaluating the glosses of the hundred schools—heaven and earth, mountains and rivers, plants and trees, birds and beasts, insects, miscellaneous things, strange and rare objects, royal institutions and ritual propriety, and human affairs of the world—nothing was omitted. It can be called gathering by category and dividing into groups, mixed yet not transgressive, refined in both substance and form—most fit for discussion. Left Palace Gentleman Cai Yong of Chenliu took the methods of Li Si and Cao Xi to make ancient-and-modern mixed forms; an edict erected stone steles at the Imperial Academy, carving the Five Classics and inscribing them in standard script—mostly Yong's writing. Later when Hongdu was opened, all marvels of calligraphy and painting gathered like clouds; at the time none of the seal scripts presented from all quarters surpassed Yong.
33
[9] [10] 西
At the beginning of Wei, Erudite Zhang Yi of Qinghe composed Picao, Guangya, and Ancient-and-Modern Character Glosses, [9] investigating the broad lexicons, patching omissions, and augmenting categories of things—it also benefited writing. Yet his character glosses, compared with Xu Shen's work, in ancient and modern form and use sometimes succeeded and sometimes failed. Handan Chun of Chenliu was also contemporary with Yi, broad in antiquity and opening arts, [10] especially skilled in Cang and Ya, Xu's character principles, the eight scripts and six writings—deeply versed in their principles, famous alongside Yi, teaching writing to the princes. He also built the Three-Script Stone Classic west of the Han stele; its text was splendid and the three scripts were again proclaimed. Compared with Shuowen, seal and clerical were largely the same, but ancient characters differed slightly. Also the two families of Wei Dan of Jingzhao and Wei Kai of Hedong were both called skilled at seal script. At the time platform and pavilion placards and inscriptions on precious vessels were all Dan's writing; all passed to descendants, and the age called them marvelous.
34
便
In Jin, Director of Sacrifices to the Righteous King Lü Chen of Rencheng submitted the Zilin in six scrolls; seeking its scope and intent, it attached itself to Xu Shen's Shuowen, yet arranged paired phrases, distinguishing ancient Zhou, odd, and variant characters—the text obtained correct clerical form without losing seal intent. Chen's younger brother Jing separately followed the Sound Categories method of former Left Commandant Li Deng and composed the Rhyme Collection in five scrolls, with palace, merchant, angle, zhi, and yu each one chapter; yet characters differed from his elder brother like Lu from Wei, and readings of Chu and Xia sometimes differed.
35
[11] 穿
Great Wei, succeeding the end of the hundred kings and continuing the thread of the five cycles, saw the age change and customs shift, writing alter, seal forms err, and clerical bodies lose truth. Vulgar learning and base habits again added empty cleverness; disputatious scholars also spoke from opinion, dazzling and deluding the age—hard to rectify. Thus the tradition says: when the many deny, the correct is denied. Truly one obtains this from the situation. Thus they say "come back" for "return," "clever speech" for "eloquence," "small rabbit" for snow, [11] "spirit worm" for silkworm—such cases are extremely numerous, all not matching Kong clan ancient books, Shizhou great seal, Xu's Shuowen, and the three-script stone classic. All matters touching antiquity—none without regret. Alas! Writing is the ancestor of the Six Arts and the beginning of royal teaching; former men thereby transmit to the present, present men thereby know antiquity—thus it is said, "When the root is established, the Way arises." Confucius said, "One must rectify names." He also said, "I transmit but do not compose." The Documents say, "I wish to observe the images of the ancients." All speak of following and repairing old records and not daring to pedantically invent.
36
西 西 [12] 使
Your servant's sixth-generation ancestor Qiong's family for generations was in Chenliu; at the beginning of Jin he and his father's elder brother's son Yingyuan both studied under Wei Kai—methods of ancient seal script, the meanings of Cang, Ya, Fangyan, and Shuowen—at the time both received good repute. The ancestor reached the post of Palace Groom for the Heir Apparent and went out as Administrator of Fufeng commandery; encountering the chaos of Luoyang, he took refuge in Hexi; for generations the profession was transmitted—thus the craft did not fall. In Taiyan of Emperor Shizu imperial might reached west; Mujian submitted inward; your servant's deceased grandfather Wenwei, staff in hand, returned to the state, presenting the books transmitted through five generations and methods of the eight ancient scripts; at the time he received commendation and enrollment among the Confucian scholars, with office rank in the literary bureau—the family called it a hereditary profession. When it came to your servant's dimness and shortcoming, knowledge and learning mediocre and thin, gradually steeped in the family tradition, having disgrace without distinction. But encountering the time's favor, grace beyond my wish, each time receiving the cloud ford's bounty, moistened by dripping favor, galloping in the literary pavilion, participating as historiographer, inscribing seal script in the palace forbidden—I am unworthily ranked with the upper sages. Having exhausted my foolish shortcoming, wishing to stop yet unable, therefore I dare borrow the resources of six generations, respectfully follow my ancestors' instruction, privately admire the ancients' track, aspire to tread the Confucian gate's path, and request to compile and gather writing from antiquity—taking Xu Shen's Shuowen as chief, also gathering Kong clan Documents, Five Classics phonetic glosses, Zhou primer, Erya, Sancang, Fanjiang, Fangyan, Tongsu wen, Zuwenzong, [12] Picao, Guangya, Ancient-and-Modern Character Glosses, three-script stone classic, Zilin, Rhyme Collection, and characters from various rhapsodies having the meaning of the six scripts—all arranged by category in sequence, texts without duplication, corrected into one work. Ancient Zhou, odd, variant, vulgar, and clerical forms—all shall be arranged below seal script, each with distinction. The meanings of glosses and loan characters—all shall follow the text in explanation; readings of Chu and Xia sounds—all noted character by character. What is not known shall be left blank. If I receive permission, I hope to reduce the views of the hundred schools and unify the domain of writing—canon books and secret archives. The books needed—I beg your command to grant them; and five erudites who have practiced writing to assist your servant in perusal; five scribes solely for copying. The Attendant-in-Ordinary, Yellow Gate, and Chancellor of the Imperial Academy would supervise once a month, discussing doubtful points, hoping for no error. The title of the work to be composed—I respectfully await the bright decree.
37
An edict said, "As requested, and also go to the Minister of Ceremonies—Ji shall also teach the eight-script clerks. What is needed shall be granted as requested. The title shall be reported again when the book is complete."
38
Shi thereupon compiled a book of characters, titled Ancient and Modern Writing, forty scrolls in all, largely following Xu Shen's Shuowen as foundation, with seal script above and clerical below. He was also appointed General Who Proclaims Might and Director of Seals and Credentials; soon after he was additionally appointed General of Light Chariots. In Zhengguang he was appointed General of Valiant Cavalry and Concurrent Associate Compiler of the Standard History, correcting characters in the standard history. In the fourth year he died; posthumously granted General of the Right and Governor of Bazhou. His book ultimately could not be completed.
39
Shi's elder brother's son Shunhe, General Who Punishes Barbarians, was also skilled at seal script. Earlier in the Taihe era, Shen Fahui of Yanzhou could write clerical script; when Emperor Shizong was in the Eastern Palace, he ordered Fahui to attend in writing. Afterward clerical traces known in the villages were very numerous; none matched Cui Hao's marvel.
40
綿
Zhou Dan was a native of Hu in Jingzhao. As a man he had many methods, especially skilled at medicine, and served as Director of the Imperial Physicians. Emperor Taizong once suffered wind dizziness; Dan treated him and he recovered; for this he received favor, reaching Special Grand Master and enfeoffment as Marquis of Chengde. In Shenrui 2 the capital suffered famine; the court discussed moving the capital to Ye. Dan and Erudite Chancellor Cui Hao submitted a plan arguing why it could not be done; Emperor Taizong greatly approved, saying, "Only these two men agree with my intent." An edict granted Dan and Hao each one concubine, one set of imperial robes, fifty bolts of silk, and fifty jin of cotton. He died in Taichang 4; posthumous title Gong.
41
At the time Yin Zhen of Henan, whose family for generations practiced medicine, received enfeoffment together with Dan. Li Tan of Qinghe was also known for skill in acupuncture.
42
His son Lüju succeeded, transmitting the art. In Yansxing he reached the post of Director of Scattered Affairs.
43
輿 宿
Li Xiu, courtesy name Sizu, was originally a native of Guantao in Yangping. His father Liang in youth studied medical arts but could not thoroughly investigate them. In Emperor Shizu's time he fled to Liu Yilong at Pengcheng, then studied all formulas under the monk Sengtan; acupuncture and administered drugs—none without effect. Between Xu and Yan he saved and relieved many; sufferers from all quarters, not fearing a thousand li, ultimately went to him. Liang greatly built a hall to lodge the sick, stopping carriage and litter below; when there were dead, he then coffined and buried them, personally going to condole. His benevolence and generosity were like this. He repeatedly rose to Staff Officer of the headquarters and Protector of his native commandery; officials of the noble clans of Shimmen all drew close to him; carriage, horses, gold, and silk—rewards and gifts without limit. Xiu's elder brother Yuansun followed Bi Zhongjing to Pingcheng, also following the father's profession but not reaching it. For merit he was granted the title Viscount of Yiping and appointed Attendant at Court.
44
Xiu was roughly the same as his elder brother. Entering Daijing late, he successively held the post of Director of Scattered Affairs; for merit he was granted the title Viscount of Xiacai and moved to Supervisor of Attendants. In the Taihe era he was constantly within the forbidden precinct. When Emperor Gaozu and Empress Dowager Wenming were unwell, Xiu attended with needle and drug—treatment often had effect. Rewards repeatedly increased; carriage, robes, residence, and mansion were called fresh and splendid. He gathered more than a hundred erudites and skilled writers in the Eastern Palace to compile more than a hundred scrolls of medical formulas—all circulated in the world. Earlier, Duke of Xianyang Gao Yun though nearly a hundred years old still had vigorous qi; Emperor Gaozu and Empress Dowager Wenming at the time ordered Xiu to examine and treat him. One day he reported that Yun's pulse was exhausted and qi slight—the great mandate not far. Before long he indeed died. Moving to Luoyang, he became General of the Vanguard and Director of the Imperial Physicians. Several years later he died; posthumously granted General of Awesome Distance and Governor of Qingzhou.
45
His son Tianshou succeeded. Magistrate of Wenyang. Medical arts again did not reach the father.
46
使
Xu Jian, courtesy name Chengbo, was a native of Danyang. His family was originally from Dongguan; he and his elder brother Wenbo and others were all skilled at medicine. Jian thereupon went to Qingzhou; Murong Baiyao pacified Dongyang and captured him, memorializing to send him to the capital. Emperor Xianzu wished to test his ability; he placed sick people in a tent and had Jian feel their pulses through a partition—he deeply obtained the form of the disease and also knew color signs. Thereupon he received favored treatment. He was made Director of Scattered Affairs; gradually promoted to Chief of the Inner Attendants. When Empress Dowager Wenming asked about treatment formulas, he did not reach Li Xiu in being employed. Jian compounded drugs and the verification of attack and rescue was more subtle than Xiu's, but his nature was very secretive and jealous—those who attended him without obtaining his intent, though noble as kings and dukes, he would not treat. Emperor Gaozu later knew his ability; when moving to Luoyang he slightly increased his favor. When the body was slightly unwell, and the favored Consort Feng had illness, all were ordered to treat. He was also removed to Grand Master of Scattered Affairs, transferred to General of the Right and Attending Physician. Jian wished to compound golden elixir for Emperor Gaozu, methods for extending years. He then entered and dwelt on Song Mountain, gathering and preparing its materials; for years without success, he then stopped.
47
[13] 退
In the twenty-second year Emperor Gaozu visited Xuanhu; his illness greatly worsened; he then dispatched post-horses to summon Jian, ordering him to come by water route to the traveling place—one day and one night traveling several hundred li. When he arrived, examination and treatment indeed had great verification. Emperor Gaozu's body slightly recovered; inside and outside all called it celebration. In the ninth month the imperial carriage set out from Yuzhou, stopping at the Ru bank. He then greatly set up for Jian the Grand Provisioner's rare delicacies, gathered all officials, specially seated Jian at the upper mat, spread dishes and cups before him, ordered attendants to proclaim Jian's merit in saving from critical illness and reviving from exhaustion—fitting to add reward. An edict then said, "The spirit goes forth without fixed place; form receives with obstruction; grief and joy at odds with fitness—reason must harm life. I review the myriad affairs, long tolling the changing cycle, thinking vast without slackness, body hastening to rise in toil. Mid-autumn brought illness; heart and countenance suddenly exhausted, qi and body emaciated—the jade armrest in concern. Attending Physician, General of the Right Xu Chengbo galloped wheels to the Grand Chamber, advancing treatment at the Ru frontier, formulas exhausted cinnabar essence, drugs exhausted fungus and stone—sincerity and technique both delivered, loyalty and marvel both arrived—thus making deep toil overcome and severe illness conquered; discussing merit and speaking of effect, truly fitting commendation and record. Formerly when Jin Emperor Wu had sudden illness, Cheng He should have received increased enfeoffment; Xin Jiu several courts, Qian's rank greatly fell. [13] Considering illness deeper than former mornings and task harder than former days—can one not again greatly raise rank and reward? Fitting to follow the multitude's hope, bestow mountains and rivers. And his old path was high rank; in the middle briefly dismissed and retired—compared with recent appointment, still not fully restored; gauging old by present, the matter fits conspicuous advancement. He may be Grand Master of Splendid Happiness, Baron of Jinxiang county with a fief of five hundred households, granted ten thousand strings of cash." Another edict said, "The treasury of cash is not full—it must be with miscellaneous goods: two thousand bolts of silk, one hundred bolts of miscellaneous goods, forty bolts from the imperial store; two thousand hu of grain; ten male and female servants; ten horses, one horse from the Hualiu stud; ten oxen." The miscellaneous goods, male and female servants, oxen, and horses granted were all presented through the inner palace. The various princes, Prince of Xianyang Yuan Xi, and others each had separate gifts, reaching a thousand bolts. Following the journey to Ye, Emperor Gaozu still himself had relapses; Jian day and night attended at his side. The next year, following to the horse corral, Emperor Gaozu's illness grew severe; sorrowful and uneasy, each time adding sharp rebuke, also wishing to add whipping and beating—fortunately obtaining exemption. When Emperor Gaozu died, Jian followed the coffin back to Luoyang.
48
His son Jian, courtesy name Jingsheng, small name Lingbao, succeeded to the title. He successively held the posts of Chief Clerk of Yanzhou's Pacifying-East Headquarters, Right Commandant of the Center, and Administrator of Jianxing.
49
Jian's younger brother Zhiyuan, Supervisor of Attendants.
50
簿 祿
Chengbo's grandson Zaicai, at the beginning of Xiaochang was Chief Clerk of the Northern Headquarters of Prince Zong of Yuzhang of Xiao Yan; he followed Zong in garrisoning Pengcheng. When Zong surrendered, his subordinate officials all fled and scattered; Zaicai thereupon entered the state. In Wuding he was Grand General, Grand Master of the Palace with Golden Seal and Purple Ribbon, and Marquis of Chang'an county with a fief.
51
[14]
Wang Xian, courtesy name Shirong, was a native of Leping in Yangping; he himself said his origin was Tan in Donghai, descendant of Wang Lang. His grandfather in Yanhe fled south; he settled in the Lu suburbs, then lived in Pengcheng. His father's elder brother Anshang, in Liu Yilong's time was appointed Acting Magistrate of Guantao county. When Emperor Shizu marched south, Anshang abandoned the county and submitted; with parents he was both moved to Pingcheng; by precedent enfeoffed as Viscount of Yangdu; removed as Administrator of Guangning. Xian's father Andao in youth studied under the same teacher as Li Liang, [14] both learning medicine, roughly investigating the art but not reaching Liang. Anshang returned home to Leping, quite participating in the gentry stream.
52
Xian in youth successively served as Attendant of this province; though making a profession of medical arts, he was bright, keen, and had decisive talent. When Empress Dowager Wen was pregnant with Emperor Shizong, she dreamed of being chased by the sun, transforming into a dragon that coiled around the empress; the empress awoke startled and fearful, and thus formed a heart illness. Empress Dowager Wenming ordered Xu Jian and Xian and others to feel the empress's pulse. Jian said it was slight wind entering the viscera—suitable to advance decoction and add needles. Xian said, "Examining the three-part pulse, it is not heart illness—it should be the sign of pregnancy bearing a male." It happened exactly as Xian said. After a long time he was summoned and appointed Attending Physician and Gentleman of the Ceremonial Section of the Imperial Secretariat, called capable in affairs. Emperor Shizong from youth had a slight illness, long not fully recovered; Xian's treatment had effect, and for this he gradually received favor.
53
Also at the beginning of abolishing the Six Assistants, Xian through Commander Yu Lie communicated plans and stratagems, having considerable secret merit. He repeatedly rose to General Who Strikes Suddenly, appointed Vice Minister of Justice, still in attendance, managing imperial drugs, entering and leaving the forbidden precinct. Begging to oversee his native province, Emperor Shizong once promised it; accumulated years without appointment—thus reports spread far and near. Xian often told people that the time's intent was already decided—he would surely become governor. He was thereupon removed to General Who Pacifies the North and Governor of Xiangzhou. Soon an edict dispatched post-horses to return to the capital, again managing drugs, again sent back to the province. Yuan Yu rebelled; Xian attacked but was unsuccessful. Entering he was removed to Minister of the Grand Storehouse and Censor-in-Chief.
54
[15]
Xian in his successive posts was renowned where he was; correcting and breaking through various cases, investigating their treachery and deceit; going out and entering he was cautious, grieving for the state as for his own family. When he headed the censorate he impeached many; the hundred officials were all reverent. Also because censorate subordinate officials did not all fit their posts, he hinted at seeking replacement. An edict entrusted reselection, striving to exhaust talent and ability—but those Xian recommended sometimes had requests and connections, not all obtaining the right men; thereupon public clamor, reputation damaged. Later Emperor Shizong ordered Xian to compile thirty-five scrolls of medical formulas, distributed throughout the realm to treat various illnesses. When the Eastern Palace was established, he was made Grand Tutor of the Heir Apparent, entrusted very generously. When Emperor Shizong each time visited the Eastern Palace, Xian always welcomed and attended. Entering and leaving the forbidden precinct, he still attended with medicine. Rewards repeatedly increased; a residence was built for him; favor shook the age. In the autumn of Yanchang 2, for merit in managing treatment, he was enfeoffed as Baron of Weinan. Collation note 15.
55
使 宿
In the first month of the fourth year Emperor Shizong died suddenly at night; Emperor Suzong ascended. Xian participated in presenting the seal edict, followed in attending the mourning, slightly fearful and anxious. Xian having received appointment and favor, also serving as judge, relied on power and wielded authority—hated by the age. Court ministers entrusted on the grounds that attendance in treatment was ineffective, seized him in the forbidden precinct; an edict stripped rank and title. At the time of seizure he cried injustice; a Direct Attendant struck his armpit with an iron ring, wounding the middle and spitting blood—one night at the Right Guard headquarters he died. At the start when Xian was in plain clothes as a student, a monk physiognomized him and said he would later be rich and noble, admonishing him not to become an official—an official post would surely fail. For this in Emperor Shizong's time when they sometimes wished to have him directly oversee the Ministry of Personnel, each time he earnestly avoided it. When Emperor Shizong died, Emperor Suzong at night ascended, received the seal register; in the rites one must concurrently be Grand Commandant and Ministry of Personnel—hurriedly the hundred officials were not complete—Xian acted concurrently for the Ministry of Personnel.
56
Cui Yu, courtesy name Wenruo, was a native of Dongwucheng in Qinghe. His father Xunzhi, courtesy name Ningguo, held the post of Outer Section Officer of the Grand Marshal, posthumously granted Direct Attendant. Yu and his elder brother Xiangru both from the south entered the state. Xiangru was known for talent and learning; he died early. Yu in youth once went to Qingzhou; he met a reclusive monk who taught him the nine scrolls of the Plain Questions and the A and B [canons], and thus became skilled at medical arts. Prince of Zhongshan Yuan Ying's son Lüe once fell ill; Wang Xian and others could not treat him; Yu needled him—when the needle was withdrawn he immediately recovered. Later he held the post of Aide-de-Camp of Jizhou; repeatedly rose to General of Pacifying the Distance. By nature benevolent and forgiving; seeing suffering and illness, he liked to treat them. He broadly taught disciples, ordering many to save and treat. His disciples Zhao Yue of Qinghe, Hao Wenfa of Bohai, and others were also famous.
57
Yu's son Jingzhe, bold and unrestrained, was also known for medical arts. He was Grand Master of the Palace and Chief Clerk of the Minister of Education. Jiang Shaoyou was a native of Bochang in Le'an. When Murong Baiyao pacified Dongyang, he was seen as a captive and entered Pingcheng, assigned as a Pingqi household, later matched to Yunzhong as soldier. By nature ingenious, he was quite able at painting and carving. He had literary thought; in the intervals of chanting and reciting he sometimes had short pieces. He then remained lodged at Pingcheng, taking copying books as profession, yet his name was still at the garrison.
58
Later he was summoned as a copyist of the Central Secretariat, together with Gao Cong both relying on Gao Yun. Yun loved his literary use, then both recommended them, and with Cong both were appointed Erudites of the Central Secretariat. From being in the Central Secretariat he always sheltered the brothers, sons, and nephews of Li Chong. At first the north did not know the Jiang clan of Qingzhou; some said Shaoyou was originally not a gentry man, and Shaoyou slightly because of craftsmanship reached advancement—thus public and private repute did not reach mutual weight. Only Gao Yun and Li Chong bent to cultivate him bodily—because Shaoyou's maternal uncle Cui Guang and Li Chong's father's younger brother Yan were opposite-door marriage kin. Emperor Gaozu and Empress Dowager Wenming often at secret banquets told the hundred officials, "Originally I thought Shaoyou would be a teacher only; old man Gao Yun said he is a gentry man." Favor and recognition were like this. Yet he was repeatedly summoned by order, busy in the forbidden gate, with compass, ruler, carving, and painting as his task—therefore greatly receiving grace and gifts, exceeding rank in filling posts, yet also not promoted in rank.
59
殿 使 使 殿
When an edict ordered Minister of the Imperial Secretariat Li Chong together with Feng Dan, You Minggen, and Gao Lu to discuss robes and caps in the forbidden precinct, Shaoyou's clever thought ordered him to chiefly manage the affair; he also consulted Liu Chang. The two intentions diverged; at the time causing dispute and contention—accumulated six years then completed, beginning to distribute to the hundred officials. When robes and caps were completed, Shaoyou had effect. Later at Pingcheng when about to build the Grand Temple and Grand Ultimate Hall, Shaoyou was dispatched by post-carriage to Luoyang to measure and standardize Wei and Jin foundations. Later he was Regular Palace Attendant, deputy to Li Biao on mission to Jiangnan. Emperor Gaozu repaired boats and carriages; because he had much thoughtful strength, he was appointed Director of Waterways, moved to General of the Vanguard and Concurrent Master of Works, still overseeing ponds, lakes, floating pleasure boats and oars. When the Hualin Hall and pond were repaired old and augmented new, altering the Golden City gate tower—all were directed by him, called refined and beautiful.
60
殿
Though he had literary ornament, he could not extend his talent and use; constantly with carving, compass, and ruler, trivial and hurried, lingering beside the garden ponds and city halls—knowers sighed for him. Yet he calmly took it as his own task, not reporting fatigue or shame. He was also Concurrent Vice Minister of Ceremonies, Director of Waterways as before. He died in Jingming 2; posthumously granted General of Flying Dragons and Governor of Qingzhou, posthumous title Zhi. He had a collected writings of more than ten scrolls. Shaoyou also made models for the Grand Ultimate, together with Dong Er, Wang Yu, and others jointly building them—all not completed before death.
61
殿
At the beginning of Emperor Gaozong's time, Guo Shanming was very ingenious; the northern capital's palaces and halls were mostly his production. In Emperor Gaozu's time, Inspector of Qingzhou Hou Wenhe was also known for cleverness; he made essential boats, standing to shoot in water. Humorous and witty, very clever in speech, speaking without end, especially skilled in shallow vulgar alley language—most fit for jest. He held the posts of Administrator of Leling and Jinan commanderies.
62
殿
In the times of Emperor Shizong and Emperor Suzong, Liu Jian of Yuzhou, Palace Guard General Guan Wenbei, and Guo Anxing of the palace were all ingenious. In Luoyang they made the nine-story Buddhist pagoda of Yongning Temple; Anxing was the craftsman.
63
使 [16]
In Emperor Gaozu's time there was Fan Ning'er skilled at weiqi. Once with Li Biao he was envoy to Xiao Ze; Ze ordered Jiangnan's highest-grade Wang Kang to play with Ning'er. [16] Victorious and returned. Also there was Gaoguang Zong of Fuyang skilled at chupu. Li Youxu of Zhao kingdom and Qiu Henu of Luoyang were both skilled at woro. This is roughly a barbarian game, recently entering China—it is said the barbarian king had a younger brother who met punishment and was about to be killed; the younger brother from prison made this game to present upward—the meaning saying "alone then easily dies." After Emperor Shizong it greatly flourished at the time.
64
The historian says: Matters of yin-yang divination and prayer—the teaching of sages exists therein. Though one cannot specialize in them, one also cannot abolish them. Those who pursue them cannot be without fault; those thick in profit must have harm. Poetry, documents, rites, and music—what is lost is slight; thus former kings weighted their virtue; methods and arts, skill and cleverness—what is lost is deep; thus former sages lightened their crafts. One who can master methods and arts without being deceptive toward the vulgar, practice skill and cleverness yet must tread in ritual—nearly a great-standard gentleman. Thus the sages of old therefore warned against reckless action. Chao Chong, Zhang Yuan, Wang Zao, Yin Shao, Geng Xuan, and Liu Lingzhu were all men of methods and arts. Observing their observation and prognostication, divination by tortoise shell and yarrow stalks, calculating steps of surplus and insufficiency, penetrating the obscure and subtle—they nearly know the sentiments and forms of ghosts and spirits. Zhou Dan, Li Xiu, Xu Jian, Wang Xian, and Cui Yu—medicinal formulas especially marvelous, each the beauty of an age. Jiang Shaoyou was known for carving—his learning and thought submerged, craft completed yet inferior—is this not close?
65
Collation Notes
66
Jiang Shaoyou: According to the entry for the yihai day of the eleventh month of the fifteenth year of Taihe in juan 7B Gaozu benji, juan 59 Liu Chang zhuan, and juan 68 Gao Cong zhuan, "the cited text" is all written as "the cited text." In Beishi these two biographies have "the cited text" and "the cited text" mixed. Nanjie shu juan 57 Wei lu zhuan writes "the cited text." At the time personal names originally universally used homophonic characters. This biography comes from Beishi; Beishi juan 90B writes "the cited text"-now all follow it.
67
殿
Weishu juan 91: Various editions' tables of contents note "incomplete"; at the scroll's end is a Song-dynasty collation note. 〈Palace edition entered textual verification〉 It states: "Before Wang Xian this scroll preserves Wei Shou's original text; the biographies of Cui Yu and Jiang Shaoyou are wholly drawn from Beishi and Xiaoshi, and the historian's discussion likewise comes from Beishi's Arts biography discussion—and Beishi in turn draws entirely on the Zhou and Sui shu Arts biography discussions."
68
Yellow Emperor Lingweiyang in the east: per the commentary on the Grand Steward's sacrifice to the Five Emperors in the Rites of Zhou, Heavenly Offices, Grand Steward. Below also appears "Yellow Emperor Hanshuniu in the center"—here "Yellow Emperor" is likely an error for "Green Emperor."
69
On examining celestial prognostication to discuss disasters and anomalies: Beishi juan 89, Zhang Yuan appendix Sun Seng hua zhuan, writes "the cited text" as "the cited text." It is suspected the text should read "the cited text" (celestial prognostication). Suishu juan 34, Bibliographic Treatise, Masters section, Astronomy category, lists Celestial Prognostication Collection, Celestial Prognostication, Celestial Prognostication Horizontal, Celestial Prognostication Outer Official, and similar works as evidence—this biography and Beishi each omit one character.
70
Courtesy name Wang Lin: Beishi juan 89, Xindu Fang zhuan, writes "the cited text" as "the cited text"-likely correct.
71
Also on Shi Qian and Hao Zhen, great scholars of middle antiquity: various editions wrongly write "the cited text" as "the cited text"-corrected now according to Cefu juan 869 〈page 10310〉 Corrected accordingly.
72
On "understood yin-yang, Nine Palaces, and military arts": various editions write "the cited text" as "the cited text"; Beishi juan 89 has "the cited text." According to Hou Hanshu juan 59, Zhang Heng zhuan, Heng's memorial says "additionally with divination by tortoise shell and yarrow stalks, mixed with the Nine Palaces." Nine Palaces is a form of divination; Suishu juan 34, Bibliographic Treatise, Masters section, Five Agents category, records many works titled with "Nine Palaces," such as the Yellow Emperor Nine Palaces Classic. The character "the cited text" is erroneous and is corrected here according to the evidence.
73
西
On "while Prince Xianwu of Qi in the intercalary second month of the following year broke the Four Hu at Hanling Mountain": various editions write "the cited text" as "the cited text." The Four Hu appear repeatedly in annals and biographies, referring to Erzhu Zhao, Tian Guang, Dulu, and Zhongyuan; juan 11, Houfeidi benji, Zhongxing 2, intercalary third month renchen says "Prince Xianwu of Qi greatly broke Erzhu Tian Guang and the others, the Four Hu, at Hanling." Corrected here according to the evidence. Also, "intercalary second month" is likely an error for "intercalary third month."
74
殿 殿
Ancient-and-Modern Character Glosses: Sanchao ben, Nan ben, Ji ben, and Ju ben write "the cited text" as "the cited text"; Bei ben, Dian ben, and Beishi juan 34, Jiang Shi zhuan, have "the cited text." The text below twice calls it "Ancient-and-Modern Character Glosses," matching Suishu juan 32, Bibliographic Treatise, Classics section, Philology category. The Bei and Dian editions are followed here.
75
On "broad in antiquity and opening arts": Beishi juan 34, Jiang Shi zhuan, reverses "the cited text" in this phrase; Cefu juan 608 〈page 7294〉 has "the cited text"-likely correct.
76
On "small rabbit" for snow: various editions write "the cited text" as "the cited text"; Beishi juan 34 and Cefu 〈same fascicle, same page〉 have "the cited text." According to Guangyun juan 19 Hou, "the cited text means rabbit," hence the vulgar form "small rabbit"-the character "the cited text" is erroneous and is corrected here according to the evidence.
77
Zuwenzong: this work is not mentioned in the preceding text and does not appear in the Suishu Bibliographic Treatise.
78
On "formerly when Jin Emperor Wu had sudden illness Cheng He should have increased enfeoffment; Xin Jiu several courts Qian's rank greatly fell": the wording is inexplicable, and Cheng He's case is not found in Jin shu. Cefu juan 859 〈page 10201〉 reads "Formerly when Jin Emperor Wu had sudden illness, Cheng He advanced drugs, increased enfeoffment and granted cash, grace and reward repeatedly arriving"—suspected to be an intentional alteration.
79
On "in youth studied under the same teacher as Li Liang": various editions write "the cited text" as "the cited text"; Beishi juan 90, Wang Xian zhuan, has "the cited text." Li Liang appears in the preceding Li Xiu zhuan. The character "the cited text" is erroneous and is corrected here.
80
On enfeoffment as Baron of Weinan: Beishi juan 90 writes "the cited text" as "the cited text." According to juan 106A, Dili zhi, Shang Sizhou, Dunqiu commandery, there is Weiguo county—"Weinan" does not appear in the Dili zhi; Beishi is likely correct.
81
On "Ze ordered Jiangnan's highest-grade Wang Kang to play with Ning'er": Zhang Senkai says text is missing after "er."
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